Masterful movie

Black Panther

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o.

Director: Ryan Coogler

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Rating: PG-15

RUNTIME: 134 Mins

The king is here, and he’s bringing a lot more than a set of vibranium claws. Turns out that the Black Panther we met in Captain America: Civil War has been keeping a lot of secrets.

Black Panther, the 18th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, builds on the story of T’Challa, the young prince of Wakanda who also enjoys wearing panther armour and slicing car doors in half with his claws.

After the death of his father, the king of Wakanda, he returns home to the isolated and technologically-advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as the king. As is the nature of superhero films, he must decide how to wield his power and responsibility wisely, surrounded by friends, family, and enemies.

To call Black Panther Marvel Studios’ greatest achievement still feels like somewhat of an understatement. The movie is not just rich in story and design, it’s shamefully wealthy, with its emphasis on an afro-futuristic reality in which Wakanda is free from colonialisation or influence.

What this means is that everything is beautiful and incredible. The designers for the film’s settings have taken influence from all over the African continent, as well as African diaspora elsewhere in the world, to create a vivid picture of Wakanda and its inhabitants.

Tribal elements such as kimoyo beads and Masai clothing combine with advanced tech and powerful women to create the near unstoppable warrior protectors of the nation. It’s by far the most colourful and thought-out film in the Marvel universe to date, down to the impeccably produced soundtrack by genius Kendrick Llamar.

Chadwick Boseman, who plays T’Challa, breaks free of the ‘dutiful son’ cliche and brings both vulnerability and humour to the part. His struggle to balance protecting his people with doing the right thing is understated, but runs as a common vein throughout most of the film’s plot.

His interactions with his sister, Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, are genuine and dynamic, and Shuri herself is a revelation. She’s empowered, she’s intelligent, she’s funny, and she’s the mind behind all of the cool technology and weapons you see in the film.

Shuri also happens to wear the coolest clothing, as do most Wakandans. Renowned costume designer Ruth Carter is responsible for the Afropunk style, blending tradition with modernity to create the sleek outfits of the entire cast.

Lupita Nyong’o stars as Nakia, an accomplished spy with a soft heart for the unfortunate of the world. Her and Okoye (Danai Gurira) are a formidable team, and both actors wield their developed characters as well as they do their ring blades and sonic spears.

Michael B. Jordan shines as Erik Killmonger, a ruthless and driven killer set on disturbing the peace of Wakanda. He plays his scenes with ice cold conviction in his ideals, which makes him all the more threatening.

Huge credit must also be given to director Ryan Coogler, who co-wrote the film with the talented Joe Robert Cole, and urged its stars to draw inspiration from their own origins for their performances.

Black Panther is a powerhouse of a film. It speaks to the need for progressive changes in society, it doesn’t pull any punches with its message, and it still manages to be incredibly fun and action-packed.

It’s a thundering anthem to black and African culture, and I am humbled and grateful that I got to share in it.

Be right back, moving to Wakanda.

Now showing in: City Centre, Seef II, Dana Cinemas, Wadi Al Sail, Mukta A2, Al Jazeera

Anna’s verdict: 5/5